Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pixabay
by George Das
No cameras or studio lights. Just Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) and me, seated on a sofa in his Presidential Suite at the former Kuala Lumpur Hilton Hotel in Jalan Sultan Ismail. This took place 50 years ago on June 26, 1975.
I was privileged to be alone with Ali, a legendary sporting icon. I was hoping to come away with a story, but ended up with Ali reciting a couple of poems
During our chat, he asked, ”Would you like to hear me recite a poem?” I was delighted! You don’t get an opportunity like this, especially from Ali, a figure synonymous throughout the world.
“This poem is called THE HEART”, Ali said softly to me. I was very fortunate to bring along an old National cassette recorder, which had an overused cobalt C60 cassette tape ready to roll. You will hear a lot of hissing sounds as this recording is not studio quality. However, this recitation and recording can be considered as an “archive” material and one of a kind.
You will hear the unique Ali, who was considered “The Greatest Athlete” of our time, doing something different other than shuffling and throwing punches.
Ali, who won the Heavyweight Boxing title on three different occasions, fought Joe Bugner on July 1, 1975 at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. That was the only time he had visited Malaysia. Here you will experience Ali away from the boxing ring.
Hope you will enjoy this recitation by the “Louisville Lip”.
Cheers!
(Photography in video courtesy of Tham Choon Fatt)
This article by George Das, one of Malaysia’s top sportswriters, first appeared on the Sports Flame website on July 29, 2025 (mysportsflame.com).
WE